Email from Diane Fownes regarding Short term rentals

From: Diane Fownes Sent: April 15, 2026 11:21 AM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Short term rentals

Dear Mayor and Council,

I am writing to request clarification and guidance regarding compliance with the provincial short-term rental registration requirements during the period surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Town of View Royal has publicly indicated that it will adopt a temporary non-enforcement approach regarding short-term rentals during the World Cup period. However, the Town has not amended its zoning bylaws or licensing framework to permit short-term rentals. As a result, residents are unable to obtain a provincial registration number, as the registration process requires municipal compliance and authorization.

This creates a clear gap between what is being signalled and what is legally permitted. Residents who wish to operate in good faith are left without a lawful pathway to do so. Without a valid provincial registration number, any short-term rental activity remains non-compliant with provincial legislation and may expose residents to fines or penalties, despite the municipality indicating that enforcement will be relaxed. In practical terms, residents are being told they may operate, while simultaneously being unable to meet the legal requirements to do so.

I am seeking guidance on the following:

• How can residents comply with provincial short-term rental registration requirements when municipal zoning remains unchanged?
• Is there a mechanism for temporary or conditional registration during the World Cup period?
• What is the expected compliance pathway for residents who wish to operate lawfully during this temporary non-enforcement period?

I would also like to briefly outline my personal circumstances, as they reflect the broader impact of this issue. I am a homeowner trying to manage increasing financial pressures, and I am looking for lawful, flexible ways to use my home to remain financially stable. At the same time, I need to maintain flexibility within my home to support a family member experiencing significant mental health challenges, which requires me to be able to adapt how the space is used. The current lack of a clear, lawful option makes it difficult to plan responsibly.

There is also a demonstrated need in the community for flexible, shorter-term accommodations. This includes housing for travelling nurses, film industry workers, construction crews, and others who are actively contributing to the local economy. A regulated approach to short-term rentals would support these workers while also helping residents manage rising costs.

Short-term rentals can also contribute to the local economy by encouraging visitors to engage with local businesses, services, and products, particularly during a high-demand period such as the World Cup.

Given these factors, I would respectfully suggest consideration of a time-limited, regulated framework that would allow for lawful participation. A defined six-month period, for example, would allow residents to operate within a compliant system that is measurable, monitored, and responsive to community impacts. This would provide a meaningful opportunity to evaluate outcomes, rather than relying on an informal non-enforcement approach that leaves residents in a legally uncertain position.

These are challenging economic times for many people, and there is a clear need for practical solutions that balance community needs, economic opportunity, and regulatory requirements.

I am committed to complying with provincial legislation and do not wish to operate outside of the legal framework. Any clarification or guidance you can provide on how residents are expected to proceed would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Diane Fownes